The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-06-25

'She is very beautiful" said her ladyship, glancing toward the spot where Mrs. BlacGie Tanner stood in the center of an admiring group. You have every right to be proud of your countrywoman, Mir. Polo"
 There could be no question about this. Mrs. Blackie Tanner was quite as beautiful as rumor represented her, and perhaps more so; but it was a puz1ling kind of beauty, too, far re- moved from that of the ordinary Yam kee belle, and yet in some undeiin nable way unmistakablv American. She was dark almost to fault, with a profusion of the hair which novelists call blue black, and features strongly marked, but beautifully modelled. Though above the average height, she moved with grace and dignity which, if gifts of nature, were not those which are often bestowed on na- ture's children in the old world. Her features, too, had something of the We're de We're repose about them, but this was neutralized by the fire and vivacitv in her eyes, which were rather deeply set and keen as hawks.
 "It is very unusual type of beauty" said Lady Gertrude. Where does she come from?"
 "I have heard the question asked dozen times, and I know no more than your ladyship," replied MT. Polo. And yet, oddly enough, am con vinced that have seen her before"
 Il wish you could tell me where, Mir. Polo. lam particularly interested in this lady'
 "I believe met her somewhere in the west, but I cannot recall the cir cumstances. My friend Petersen would recognize her. have no doubt I will send him her photograph. They are to be had at any shop"
 II hope you will not take that trouble on account of what l said." observed Lady Gertrude.
 But, nevertheless, on the following morning Mir. Polo despatched tt copy of the new beauty's photograph to Mir. Petersen, who had been the com panion of his travels. The truth was that he himself felt not little curiosity about Mrs. Blackie Tanners earlier history, having watched with some amusement the success in English society of two or three of his fair com patriots, who, like the prophets, had been entirely without honor in their own country. In the course of a mail or two he got his answer, and then he remembered Mrs. Blackie Tanner well enough. He did not convey the whole of his information to Lady Gertrude, but he told her enough when they next met to decide her that she could not act upon Lord Oldentoff's s recom- mendation. Her ladyship was even induced to take still stronger step, and one which involved her in no slight inconvenience and annoyance.
 Lady Gertrude, as already inti- mated, was one of those favored mor- tals who are permitted to hobnob Cat appointed times and at respectful distance) with the future sovereign of these realms. It was her privilege to entertain royalty at least once during the season, and on such occasions il would be difficult to say which was the more taultlessly select, the com pany or the entertainment. Now. within few days of the above-men tioned communication from Mir. Polo. an intimation was conveyed to Lady Gertrude by a certain channel that the presence of Mrs. Blackie Tanner at her ladyship's forthcoming reception would be especially gratify ing to her royal guest, It was bitter trial, but Lady Gertrude never wavered for an instant. Respectfully, but firmly, she gave it to be understood that her invi- tations had been sent out, and that the list could not be supplemented. In vain her old friend, Mir. Christie Jones, the most favored ornament of ''the set" pointed out the consequences of her refusal.
 Ut will give great offense," he saii, land you know what that means"
 ''I do; and 1 am sorry for it. But l must draw the line somewhere"
 But why draw it here: Royal favor covers multitude of sins. Be- sides, how do you know that there are any sins in this case which require covering?"
 ''I will tell you what know, and you shall judge for yourself" And with that Lady Gertrude, after exact ing promise of secrecy, told Mir. Jones what she had heard about the American beauty beauty. The revel- ation caused him much amusement. Might ask you. Lady Gertrude" he said, "where you heard this: l should like to to verify it. It might be useful"
 Her ladyship gave the name of her informant, and Mir. Jones departed.
 Lady Gertrude's little party came of, but no royal parsonage was present. The fact mould not but excite remark;